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Published on 02/22/1999 All articles from this issue

Speeding tickets double with new traffic cops

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By Joanne Griffith Domingue / Town Crier Staff Writer

In the first month with two new motorcycle traffic officers, the number of speeding tickets in Los Altos doubled.

During January 1999 officers wrote 401 tickets for moving violations, said Los Altos Police Capt. Cliff Balch. In January 1998, officers wrote 222 tickets.

"We expected a pretty significant increase," Balch said, "but we didn't expect that much. It was a pleasant surprise."

Before the officers began, some worried about a backlash - the "be careful what you wish for" concern. After all, many drivers consider 25 mph pretty slow, and that's the speed limit in most of Los Altos.

But the police department is "still getting very positive comments," Balch said. "No complaints. No negative comments."

So far, officers have focused on streets with a history of speeding complaints, like Almond Avenue and around Los Altos High School, Balch said.

Los Altos resident Paul Forester, who lives in that area, said he hasn't noticed a difference. "But I know I'm driving slower," he said.

Other areas targeted, Balch said, include Fallen Leaf Lane; University, Berry and Clark avenues; Covington Road and Newcastle Drive.

"I haven't noticed any improvement," said Robert Fair, a retired, 26-year resident of Newcastle Drive. "And I watch this thing very closely. In fact, 20 minutes ago somebody just screamed by."

One time, when officers worked their radar on Newcastle Drive, they parked in Fair's driveway, "because the bushes kind of concealed them. And they made more than nine stops," Fair said. "They're welcome back any time."